This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 336

I wondered if a host was truly necessary for such a small-scale party, but of course, the one who took on the role was our Senior.

And our Senior fit the role so naturally, showcasing what true charisma looks like—as someone who had been the Student Council President not once, but twice, she exuded an undeniable vibe that made it clear.

“Alright, let’s skip the unnecessary chit-chat and get to the point… I’m thinking of starting the party with a toast. What do you all think?”

Perhaps she felt it was important to first hear the opinion of Chae-rim, the oldest in the room, as per the rules of hierarchy.

Senior’s gaze was glued to Chae-rim as she asked.

And Chae-rim’s response to that question was—

“Me? Of course, I’m good with it. But please tell me you’re not planning to use something lame like juice for the toast, right?”

Indeed.

“Sigh…”

That was the issue with my sister.

Having had her fair share of drinking mishaps, she should have exercised some restraint, yet she tended to lose all sense of decorum when given even a slight chance to drink with everyone else.

“Hmm… What should we do…”

“If you’re worried about running out of drinks, don’t be! I brought plenty just in case.”

But where on earth had she stashed all of that? I was sure there was nothing back there when we sat down.

Could it be that she was hiding some sort of fourth-dimensional pocket or something?

“I hope it doesn’t disappear and magically reappear later…?”

I wanted to believe it wouldn’t happen.

I wanted to believe it wouldn’t, but why did my faith keep wavering?

Anyway, she asked for opinions, so I answered, but as soon as I said it, it felt like my request was being brushed off, leaving me a bit disappointed.

“Baeksulhwa, you got top marks on your qualification exam, and Yoonseo passed too, plus Bora won the award at that competition—we’re here to celebrate all that, right? Everyone’s been through a lot, so I think we should loosen up a little.”

“Ah, um… I don’t mind, but I’m not sure about the others…”

Maybe she was about to express concern over what they’d think.

“Seriously, you’re such a straight-laced girl.”

My sister smiled faintly, as if she expected that from her.

“Honestly, they’ll all end up drinking eventually anyway. It’s better to know your limits beforehand so you don’t end up making a mistake later, right?”

“Uh, um…”

“More than anything, this is champagne, so the alcohol content is pretty low.”

Normally, Chae-rim would quickly yield at any sign of resistance, but for some reason today, she was being particularly stubborn, which probably made it harder for our Senior to push back.

“How much is it?”

“This? Let’s see… it’s 12 degrees.”

12 degrees was certainly on the lower side.

Given that, Senior probably thought it’d be okay, and instantly, the question shifted to Bora and Yoonseo.

“Since she says it’s fine, what do you want to do?”

“U-Um, if I have permission, I’d like to try it just once.”

Before I knew it, Bora was the first to respond, surprisingly eager.

Could it be that she was curious about what such expensive champagne would taste like? Her cheeks were already flushed with excitement, making her look as if she’d had a drink even before tasting.

And the second to speak up was none other than…

“The beer we had last time was just bitter and had no flavor at all…”

Yoonseo, who absolutely wouldn’t refuse to admit her childish palate.

“So, does that mean you won’t drink?”

“No, well… It’s not like that…”

It seemed her pride wouldn’t allow her to back out after seeing Bora’s enthusiastic stride.

Though she said that, her face was still set in a reluctant frown, prompting Chae-rim to smile gently and reassure her.

“Don’t worry. This will definitely suit your taste.”

“Then maybe… I’ll have just one…”

Me?

Of course, I was on board with that.

After all, you should drink expensive alcohol when you get the chance, right?

And from Chae-rim’s perspective, she probably felt relieved since she might have ended up drinking alone if it weren’t for this pretense of just ‘tasting’ it. It seemed she was genuinely happy we could all clink glasses together.

“Everyone, hold your glasses up and wait a moment. I’ll be right back…”

Having pulled out the champagne, Chae-rim now fumbled to find the wine opener.

Sadly, it seemed like haste was getting the better of her today.

“How about you let me handle that?”

Not that I was a master at uncorking bottles—I’m more of a soju person—but I figured I might have better luck than Chae-rim right now.

So, I effortlessly took the champagne from her, and using a bit of finesse, twisted the cork off—

<POP!>

With a cheerful sound, a sweet aroma burst forth from the bottle, almost making my tongue tingle in anticipation.

Maybe everyone got captivated by that scent.

“Alright, who wants a glass?”

Mimicking the movements of a sommelier I’d seen at an expensive restaurant in my past life, I asked, causing glasses to be raised all around.

It felt slightly awkward, as if everyone was demanding that their glasses be filled first, but due to some vague sense of Confucian virtue left inside me and the capitalist logic that the one paying is king in drinking situations, I decided the ceremonial first drink should go to the elder and provider, Chae-rim.

“Thank you for taking care of me this past year.”

“That’s expected.”

“Let’s keep the good work going for next year too.”

“Sure thing.”

Not wanting to just serve her in silence, I jokingly added that, and fortunately, Chae-rim responded with a fittingly light-hearted remark.

“Eww… You sound like a middle-aged woman…”

Of course, Chae-rim’s reaction was one thing, but Yoonseo, sitting opposite, had her own comments.

Anyway, after filling Chae-rim’s glass, I figured we should continue in order of age.

“I know you worked hard preparing for the qualification exam, and congratulations again on passing at the top of the class, Senior.”

“…Thanks. It’s all thanks to you, Dogun.”

“Well, I suppose I did help a bit.”

“But that means you’ll help again next year, right?”

“If there’s anything I can assist with.”

The problem lay with the two classmates left…

I pondered who to fill first, eventually gripping the bottle backward and offering it to Yoonseo across the table.

“…?”

The look she gave seemed to say, “What are you doing?”

“Well, I figured it’s only right we take turns pouring for one another.”

“What are you talking about… My hand’s getting tired, so hurry up and pour!”

“…I-Actually, I’d like it if you poured for me too, Dogun.”

Well, now what could I do?

Having lost at friendly sabotage, I’d have to be the willing sacrifice.

The question remained, as it did before, of whom to pour for first…

So, keeping it simple, I resolved to fill the glass of the person closest to me!

“Congratulations on winning the top prize at the competition.”

“Th-Thank you…”

“So, the serialization schedule is still undecided, right?”

“Yeah, still…”

“When it gets confirmed, let me know. I’ll be waiting.”

“…Okay.”

With that, I filled Bora’s glass first, leaving just mine and Yoonseo’s empty.

I swiftly turned to Yoonseo, who raised her glass as if she had been waiting for this moment.

“Come on, pour already.”

Since I had pushed Yoonseo’s turn back for Bora, I figured she might feel left out, but surprisingly, Yoonseo seemed unbothered.

No, she wasn’t just okay—what was that expression?

“Wow… You’re a total tyrant right now.”

She wore a cheeky grin, which was just perfect.

“Ah, stop stalling… Just pour already. You might drop it, you know?”

“Oh dear…! I must humbly apologize, my lord! If you say pour, then of course, I must.”

“Cut it out. Seriously, just do it before I lose it.”

“Only a Qing dynasty house cleaning would fit in here. Um… Uh…”

I clearly knew what I meant, but the words just wouldn’t come out.

Somehow, I froze for a moment, and in the nick of time, I realized what I’d done wrong.

“I know what I’m talking about! I just got a little mixed up!”

With a slight frown on my face, Yoonseo’s embarrassment went from slight to beet red in seconds.

“Hey, hey, hey! Don’t spill! It’s gonna spill!”